The diabetic patient and dental treatment: an update.

This paper has been written to both refresh and update clinicians' knowledge of diabetes. Treatment for patients with diabetes continues to develop with the majority of Type 1 diabetics now using multiple daily injections and an increasing minority using insulin pumps. Blood glucose monitoring and patient education programmes have resulted in more patient involvement in controlling this condition. Type 2 diabetics have had improvement in care provision through the development of shorter acting sulphonylureas and the potential for GLP1 injections. The impact of diabetes on both oral health and quality of life is discussed. Practical suggestions are made regarding the dental treatment of diabetic patients using both local anaesthetic and under sedation. Diabetes continues to be a fickle master for those affected by this condition. The paper is written from the perspective of the 'expert patient'. It is hoped that a greater understanding of this chronic condition will improve both access to, and safety of, dental care for those patients with diabetes.